A teenager has tested positive bird flu In British Columbia. This is the first confirmed case bird flu in canadaAccording to a TOI report, officials have said that the man is currently undergoing treatment at a children’s hospital in British Columbia, where specialists are closely monitoring his condition.

The health department in the province has also launched an investigation to trace the source of the infection and identify any possible contacts. Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s health officer, has emphasized the unusual nature of the case and that health officials suspect transmission may have originated from an animal.

“This is a rare occurrence,” Dr. Henry said in a statement. We are conducting a thorough investigation to fully understand the source of the exposure in BC.

Bird flu, also known as avian flu, is commonly seen in wild birds and poultry, however, cases of infection in humans have recently been reported. These cases have been reported predominantly in the United States. Most of these cases have occurred due to contact with cattle and poultry. However, in one case, United States officials reported avian flu infection in a Missouri man who had no direct contact with infected animals.

In British Columbia, authorities have detected the virus in at least 22 poultry operations since October, TOI reported, with several wild birds also testing positive, according to provincial data.

signs and Symptoms of Bird Flu

Here, take a look at some of the early signs and symptoms of infection.

• Fever: A high temperature is often the first sign, usually above 38°C (100.4°F).
• cough: Initially, a dry cough which may become more severe with time.
• sore throat: Discomfort or pain in the throat area, causing difficulty in swallowing.
• Muscle Pain: Body aches and pains.
• Headache: It can range from mild to severe.
• Respiratory symptoms: There may be mild respiratory problems in the early stages which can progress rapidly.

Here, take a look at some of the signs and symptoms of the infection when it reaches advanced stages.

• Pneumonia: This is indicated by difficulty breathing, rapid breathing or wheezing.
• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): A severe form of respiratory failure.
• Diarrhea: Unlike normal influenza, H5N1 can cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
• vomit: This may occur in combination with other gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Bleeding from nose and gums: This usually happens in severe cases.
• Neurological changes: Rarely, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) may occur which eventually causes seizures or altered mental status.

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